Ben Roethlisberger tried to stay positive yesterday after the worst — and by far the most harrowing — injury of his career.

The Steelers quarterback believes he can return this season despite spraining his right shoulder and suffering what he called a dislocated rib in Monday night’s overtime win against Kansas City.

He’s just not sure when he’ll be ready. And his medical team appears nowhere close to figuring out how exactly to get him there.

All Roethlisberger knows for certain is doctors are concerned the rib — which he injured while getting sacked by a pair of Kansas City linebackers — could puncture his aorta if jostled around.

He also knows he’ll be a spectator indefinitely. Byron Leftwich will take the snaps in his place.

BILLS: Tonight the prime-time lights will once again shine on Buffalo and the Dolphins, longtime division rivals, in a game that will determine who stays in the postseason picture for at least another week.

The Bills (3-6) haven’t given up hope, despite a 1-5 stretch that’s put them in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season, the longest current streak in the NFL.

REDSKINS: A person familiar with the situation said DeAngelo Hall has been fined $30,000 for his confrontation with an official in Washington’s loss to the Steelers last month. The person said Hall will not be suspended.

49ERS: Alex Smith insists it’s too early to guess whether he will return from a concussion in time to start at quarterback in Monday night’s game with the Bears.

TEXANS: Linebacker Tim Dobbins has been fined $30,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit that gave Chicago’s Jay Cutler a concussion.

BEARS: Coach Lovie Smith said Cutler is improving. If Cutler isn’t ready to play on Monday night, Chicago figures to go with veteran Jason Campbell.

RAMS: Cornerback Janoris Jenkins and wide receiver Chris Givens were back on the field after serving one-game suspensions for violating team rules. Both are expected to play Sunday against the Jets.

SAINTS: Assistant head coach Joe Vitt said Darren Sproles looked good in his first practice since breaking a bone in his left hand three games ago.